(A) The city has determined that the system of streams within the city contributes to the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the city. The purpose of this subchapter is to protect and preserve the water quality within streams of the city and to protect residents of the city from property loss and damage because of flooding and other impacts of the stream. The city will implement this subchapter by controlling uses and developments within a riparian setback that would impair the ability of the riparian area to:
(1) Reduce flood impacts by absorbing peak flows, slowing the velocity of flood waters and regulating base flow;
(2) Stabilize the banks of streams to reduce bank erosion and the downstream transport of sediments eroded from stream banks;
(3) Reduce pollutants in streams during periods of high flows by filtering, settling and transforming pollutants already present in streams or in runoff before they enter streams;
(4) Provide areas for natural meandering and lateral movement of stream channels;
(5) Reduce the presence of aquatic nuisance species to maintain diverse and connected riparian vegetation;
(6) Provide high quality stream habitats with shade and food to a wide array of wildlife by maintaining diverse and connected riparian vegetation; and
(7) Benefit the city economically by minimizing encroachment on stream channels and reducing the need for costly engineering solutions, such as dams and riprap, to protect structures and reduce property damage and threats to the safety of watershed residents, and by contributing to the scenic beauty and to the environment of the city, the quality of life of the residents of the city, and corresponding property values.
(B) This subchapter has been enacted to protect these services of riparian areas by providing reasonable controls governing structures and uses in riparian setbacks.
(Prior Code, § 1468.01) (Ord. 03-11, passed 10-28-2003)